Why is there no moral outrage concerning Democrat U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii? They publicly informed the White House that until President Biden nominates more racial minorities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer people to positions in his administration, they will refuse to support the confirmation of any white candidates.
Sen. Duckworth said “I am a no vote on the floor on all non-diversity nominees. I will vote for racial minorities and I will vote for LGBTQ, but anybody else, I’m not voting for.” Senator Hirono followed up and spoke in support of her position. How could they or anyone else not notice that these actions would violate of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act? This states: “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Previous members of both the House and the Senate have either been expelled or censored for far less outrageous statements.
Where was the moral and public outrage of their own Democrat Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer or any of the other 98 senators, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio or the president? Why no critical editorial in the Washington Post, The New York Times or any other newspaper? You could hear a pin drop on this reprehensible position when listening to ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CNN or other news outlets.
The position of Sens. Duckworth and Hirono are reminiscent of previous generations telling African-Americans, Hispanics, Chinese, Jews, Catholics, Italians, Irish or other ethnic or religious groups they need not apply for the job.
President Biden promised to bring us together and unite our nation. Quotas for hiring people to serve in his administration on the basis of age, race, religious or non-religious beliefs, ethnicity or sexual orientation are both immoral and hurtful.
Should Republicans refuse to support any of Biden’s appointments because he has yet to nominate even one Republican to the several thousand positions in his administration? In the words of Biden “Come on, man” It is time to stop this bigotry.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
